Snapshot
- Overview
- A bright synthetic dye used in lip glosses and nail products.
- Category
- Color
- Type
- Colorant
Red 21 (CI 45380)
Red 21 (CI 45380) is a synthetic xanthene-derived dye used in cosmetics for vivid red hues. It gives bright, fluorescent-leaning color to lip glosses, tints, and nail products, with strong payoff and flexible blending with other pigments.
Like this ingredient?
Our take
Is Red 21 (CI 45380) a Good Ingredient?
Fair, since its role is purely aesthetic, achieving specific shades in makeup, with no skin benefit attached, and it isn't approved for eye-area use in the US. That combination of decorative-only function and regional limits is a standard Fair for a colorant.
What it does
Skin Benefits
Creates bright, attention-grabbing reds and corals with strong color payoff, and layers easily with other colorants to fine-tune undertones.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
Often included in lip oils, gel stains, and peel-off nail color for vivid looks, and also seen in liquid highlighters and sheer cheek gels.
Before you use it
Safety
Typically well tolerated, but may cause mild irritation or staining for some users. Not approved for use in the eye area in the US; follow regional guidelines. Patch test if you are sensitive to colorants.
Products with Red 21 (CI 45380)
